Google Earth resolution?

Question

I have found places in Google Earth where I can see dots which I assume are people. Are there any places on Google Earth with better resolution than that?

Answer 1

Everybody here is a little off base. The actual answer is as follows: Google uses a variety of data sources to create those online images. Over the major populated areas, the imaging platform is an airborne camera... yes, a surveying airplane. Those images have the highest resolution: 1' or so. At that resolution, people are visible, albeit as little more than a couple of pixels.

Other areas use high-resolution imaging satellites, the best of which have resolutions of about 2'. In unpopulated areas, the only data source is lower-resolution satellites, with resolutions ranging from tens to hundreds of meters.

Answer 2

You know, this is a very good question. There are certain places where the resolution is significantly better than other places. I wonder why. There are places where you can see cars easily, and possibly individuals. There are other areas where even roads cannot be seen eventhough there are no obstructions or barriers that would interfere with visulaization. I think that there are certain places that were purposely scanned more closely or in greater detail for a particular reason. I recommend that you look in areas such as the midle east, china, north korea, etc.

Answer 3

There seems to be better resolution in places with higher population density. I think this is because the really new and good satellites haven't been diverted to scan the boondocks yet. Eventually I guess they will have the whole earth covered with the high resolution equipment Just be patient.

Answer 4

I suppose Google has made sure that they get all the popular searches in high resolution first, the rest can wait...